UJC lauds Congress’ move to overide Bush veto of Medicare reform

July 18, 2008 9:45am

The United Jewish Communities praised the U.S. Congress’ decision to override a veto on Medicare reform.

The U.S. House and Senate overrode President Bush’s veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, making it law on Tuesday. The umbrella organization of the North American federation system lauded the move, saying the law blocks a planned pay cut for doctors, provides benefits protection for senior citizens, allows access to better medical equipment and institutes a stronger mental health benefits package.

“The Jewish community is heavily vested in initiatives to ensure that older Americans have access to and receive quality healthcare during the latter years of their lives,” William Daroff, the UJC’s vice president for public policy and director of its Washington office, said in a statement. “The Medicare reforms enacted this week are vital to our efforts to provide for older Americans.”